Research Assistant II - Leukemia

Research Assistant II - Leukemia

The Research Assistant II role at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center supports laboratory-based cancer research within Leukemia. The Research Assistant II contributes directly to experimental design, sample processing, data generation, and analysis across cellular, molecular, and animal research models. This position requires hands-on laboratory expertise, strong attention to detail, and adherence to institutional safety and research standards.
 

The Research Assistant II role is part of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. UT MD Anderson is internationally recognized for translating scientific discoveries into clinical impact, and the Research Assistant II plays a vital role in advancing translational and basic science research that supports this mission. The Research Assistant II collaborates closely with investigators, laboratory staff, and core facilities in a highly regulated research environment.
 

The ideal candidate for the Research Assistant II position has hands-on laboratory experience with cell culture, molecular biology techniques, and sample processing, along with experience supporting preclinical or translational research. Preferred qualifications include experience with flow cytometry, lentiviral transduction, animal handling, and data analysis tools. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong organizational skills, accurate documentation practices, and the ability to work independently in a laboratory setting while following established protocols and safety requirements.
 

Minimum $21.63 – Midpoint $27.16 – Maximum $32.69 per hour
 

The typical work schedule is day shift and onsite.
 

Work Location: Houston, TX
 

Why Us?
At UT MD Anderson, the Research Assistant II role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to life-changing cancer research while working alongside leading scientists and clinicians. This position supports professional development through exposure to advanced laboratory techniques, collaborative research teams, and institutional resources that promote scientific growth, work-life balance, and long-term career advancement.
• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.
 

Responsibilities
Laboratory Techniques

Maintain and establish tissue culture cell lines for adherent and suspension cells using sterile technique and microscopic evaluation
Perform cell counting, colony counting, and viability assessments using hemocytometers or automated counters
Prepare sterile media and solutions and perform accurate pipetting under aseptic and non-aseptic conditions
Monitor, stock, and organize tissue culture supplies to ensure efficient laboratory operations
Prepare cells for cryogenic storage using small vials, dry ice, and liquid nitrogen and appropriately revive stored cell lines
Process and store patient-derived peripheral blood and bone marrow samples and animal-derived hematopoietic and leukemia samples
Support downstream assays including flow cytometry, western blot, qPCR, single-cell mass cytometry, and single-cell sequencing

Molecular & Cellular Analysis

Isolate, purify, and analyze RNA, DNA, and protein using hybridization, gel electrophoresis, autoradiography, ECL staining, PCR, quantitative RT-PCR, DNA sequencing, and enzyme assays
Prepare cell lysates, run gels, transfer proteins to membranes, and scan results using imaging systems
Perform basic lentiviral transduction workflows including plasmid preparation, bacterial propagation, virus production, transfection, selection, and validation

Flow & Single-Cell Cytometry

Perform basic flow cytometry assays including cell death assays and detection of fluorescently labeled cells
Conduct multicolor flow cytometry using Gallios, Cytoflex, and CyTEK Aurora instruments
Coordinate and order cell sorting through institutional core facilities
Support single-cell mass cytometry including antibody conjugation, titration, panel design, staining, barcoding, and data analysis using cytofkit, OMIQ, or similar pipelines

Veterinary & Animal Research Techniques

Apply fundamental knowledge of mouse biology, animal welfare, ethics, and regulatory compliance
Perform mouse handling, restraint, oral gavage, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, and intravenous injections
Collect samples including bone marrow, spleen, tumors, and other organs, with bone marrow injections as a plus

Laboratory, Data & Equipment Management

Perform routine maintenance of ultra-low freezers and monitor liquid nitrogen, CO2, and water levels
Maintain and manually operate laboratory equipment including centrifuges, pH meters, and microfuges
Follow equipment manuals and standard operating procedures as required
Lift and transport laboratory materials up to 20–25 pounds using appropriate equipment
Comply with institutional safety policies, Universal Precautions, and OSHA standards
Maintain accurate experimental records using electronic lab notebooks and organized data storage systems
Analyze data using Excel, FlowJo, GraphPad Prism, Image Studio, QuantStudio, and basic bioinformatics tools
Summarize findings and prepare clear PowerPoint presentations for regular research updates